Place and date of birth

Wembley, United Kingdom 19 June, 1935

Education and qualifications

Tertiary:      University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Secondary:  Mill Hill School, Mill Hill, United Kingdom   Primary:      Byron Court School, North Wembley, United Kingdom

Career positions held

Director of Research, Soil Conservation Service of NSW Officer in Charge, Gunnedah Research Centre, Soil Conservation Service of NSW Soil Conservationist, Soil Conservation Service of NSW

ASSSI position held

1979/80: Federal President 1977/78: NSW Branch President

Video interview

 

When did/why did soil science first appeal to you?

Recognition of the importance of soils in my university thesis, which was a review of cultivation practices in Britain.

What were the most significant developments in soil science during your career?

Recognition of the importance of soils in an environmental context. Recognition of soil erosion as an area of soil science in need of scientific study. Increasing acceptance of conservation tillage following scientific study in the areas of soil structure, organic matter and soil erosion.

What were your main contributions to soil science?

Integration of soil conservation and soil science. Training of NSW soil conservationists in soil science/ classification. Provided catalyst for the resumption of statewide soil survey in NSW (1:250,000, 1:100,000). Production of major soils text "Soils - their properties and management" Charman, PEV and Murphy, BW. 1991, 2000, 2007.